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Based on its recent analysis of the glaucoma therapy market, Frost & Sullivan recognises Eye Tech Care with the 2016 Europe Frost & Sullivan Award for Technology Innovation. Eye Tech Care stands out in the glaucoma therapy market with EyeOP1, the only computer-assisted glaucoma therapy system. The device employs high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to control intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma (3% of the worldwide population over 45 is affected by this pathology). The computer assistance enhances the safety, accuracy, reliability and reproducibility of the device, enabling ophthalmologists to perform a quick, painless and non-invasive procedure.
Eye Tech Care’s ultrasound ciliary plasty (UCP) is currently the only HIFU-based medical procedure approved for the treatment of glaucoma. It works by targeting the ciliary body to control the production of aqueous humour and is believed to open up additional drainage pathways, both of which keep the IOP under control. The procedure is quick (less than 3 minutes), easy to learn, and can be done as an outpatient procedure, with light patient follow-up.
With the EyeOP1, Eye Tech Care has successfully miniaturised the HIFU platform, making the transducers the smallest and the most compact components used in the medical industry. The device consists of a central computer console that can control the dosage, time and other attributes. Its ultrasound probe is in the form of an eye piece so that it fits the target organ better. It comprises six piezoelectric transducers, arranged in a circular array, to effectively deliver the dosage to the ciliary body in less than three minutes.
"The two most outstanding features of the EyeOP1 are its computer console as well as central operation and its operator friendliness,” said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst Bhargav Rajan. "Unlike in surgery, the EyeOP1 needs only a trained ophthalmologist to conduct the procedure, making it ideal for markets with few experts in glaucoma surgery."
The EyeOP1 device received an initial CE marking in 2010, authorising its use on patients with advanced glaucoma. Its impressive clinical results and track record of safety and clinical efficacy earned it a CE mark extension in 2015. EyeOP1 is now indicated to treat any glaucoma patient, preferably with an IOP of more than 21 mmHg. It is evolving from being a specialised tool that treats refractory glaucoma to being a more mainstream treatment option.
"After experiencing significant success in Europe, Eye Tech Care is now developing an active marketing plan to enter the Asian market," noted Rajan. "Making the most of the urgent market need for such a therapy in Asia, the company has attracted funding from Everpine Capital Ltd, a China-based investor. This investment has encouraged it to expand its clinical research program and enter other Asian markets such as India and the Middle East.”
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated uniqueness in developing and leveraging new technologies, which significantly impacts both the functionality and the customer value of the new products and applications. The award lauds the high R&D spend towards innovation, its relevance to the industry and the positive impact on brand perception.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Eye Tech Care
EYE TECH CARE (eyetechcare.com| eyetechcare.fr) develops and markets non-invasive therapeutic medical devices for ophthalmology. EyeOP1® is the company's first commercial medical device for the treatment of glaucoma, a degenerative disease of the optic nerve associated with raised intraocular pressure (IOP), which mainly affects people aged over 45. EYE TECH CARE seeks to respond to the needs of this fast-growing market by offering an innovative non-surgical therapy which is extremely simple to use. The company is based in Lyon, France.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.
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